2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup with the introduction of the ES 250, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 and front-wheel drive. The ES 300h hybrid variant offered improved fuel efficiency at a premium. The Black Line Edition of the ES 350 debuted with unique styling elements, including black wheels and a black and white interior. The ES's design, characterized by its dramatic grille and sleek lines, was complemented by the F Sport trim's sporty enhancements. Inside, the black and white interior of the test car provided a striking contrast, underscoring the Lexus's high-quality materials and design.

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued its evolution with a sporty design, highlighted by the V-Motion grille and a "floating" roofline. Available in SE, SR Midnight Edition, and Platinum trims, the Altima's SR Midnight Edition featured gloss black accents and 19-inch wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. The interior boasted comfortable Zero Gravity seats and a well-organized instrument panel, though lower trims lacked the premium feel of higher ones. The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a trunk capacity of 437 litres and a large fuel tank, making it a practical choice for families and commuters.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a fuel efficiency rating of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The Black Line Edition provided a dynamic driving experience, though it lacked the torque-vectoring AWD system found in competitors like the Acura TLX. Despite its sporty attributes, the ES 350 remained a comfortable cruiser rather than a true sports sedan.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. While acceleration was modest, the Altima excelled in ride comfort and cabin quietness, thanks to its Active Ride Control. The SR trim included paddle shifters, though they were deemed unnecessary for a midsize sedan. The Altima's performance was characterized by its smooth ride and refined road manners, despite the engine's lack of power.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring interior layout with sport-bolstered front seats featuring 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats provided ample legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents and an available power sunshade. Storage was plentiful but oddly configured, and the trunk measured 394 litres. The test car's hands-free power trunk added convenience, though a panoramic roof was absent.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four, with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a trunk capacity of 437 litres. However, rear visibility was compromised by the high rear shelf and sloping roofline. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items. Despite these minor issues, the Altima remained a practical choice for families and commuters.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad interface that required attention to operate, though dynamic voice command technology offered a workaround. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display was visually impressive but lacked touchscreen functionality. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker sound system, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The SR trim added navigation and connected services, while the Platinum trim featured a nine-speaker Bose audio system. ProPilot Assist provided advanced driver assistance, enhancing the Altima's tech offerings.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all but the base trim. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, with high ratings for crashworthiness and crash avoidance.